Palm Lakes - Edition 41

Social Scenes | Meet the Basson Family | Registered Real Estate Agents

10

meet tHe basson family

Single mother of her beautiful daughter Siya, Nozuko has found her family’s forever home within Palm Lakes. From the Clubhouse to her fabulous home, they share what they love about the Estate.

The LionHeart Experience shares the details of their recent walk with residents around Palm Lakes, in search of dragonflies and damselflies. They found several marvellous species! walKing witH dRagons

24

caRPe diem!

Resident Mike Taylor certainly seizes every day! We chat with him about his recent adventures. At 80 years old, he has done amazing things.

Contact Information

Should you require any information regarding the Estate, please contact any of the following persons:

Ross Bishop EstatE ManagEr 078 801 1569 | ross@plhoa.co.za

Wilma Prinsloo adMinistration ManagEr 065 518 8944 | wilma@plhoa.co.za

Royal Palm Home owneRs’ association - RPHoa & body coRPoRate estate managing agents

Ballito Estates (Contact: Barbara Shingler)

Office: 032 946 2055

E-mail: barbara@ballito-estates.co.za

General HOA enquiries: admin@plhoa.co.za

deVeloPeR: Royal Palm PRoPeRty Holdings ltd (RPPH)

Office: 087 354 3916

Fax: 086 531 2331

Cell: 083 675 7789

E-mail: info@rpph.co.za

website: www.palmlakes.co.za

PublisHeR lorinda@fabmags.co.za

gRaPHic designeR evashini@fabmags.co.za sales diRectoR lucille@fabmags.co.za sales eXecutiVe dhivashni@fabmags.co.za oPeRations diRectoR sharlene@fabmags.co.za content & coPy manageR jordyn@fabmags.co.za accounts accounts@fabmags.co.za contact fabmags

website online

PRinted by coVeR PHoto

Lorinda Scott

082 562 7202

Evashini Naidoo

Lucille Wendler

083 747 3694

Dhivashni Singh

078 421 1050

Sharlene Odayar

083 761 3137

Jordyn Trollip

Fay Horack

032 946 0357

Suite 104, San Hall Office Park, Kirsty Close, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal www.fabmags.co.za www.issuu.com/fabmags

ROC Media

Troy Bishop Photography

pUBLISHER From The

And here we are - the second quarter of the year! Yip, true story! As always, we share all the happenings on Palm Lakes Family Estate, from resident features to social scenes. In this edition, we hear from the Estate Manager, Ross. He chats to us a bit about all of the exciting upgrades that will soon be underway on the Estate. Chairperson Johan also shares a short message to residents, encouraging you to seize every moment this year and embrace happiness.

On the social side of things, there have been so many events keeping the residents busy! Take a look at these amazing photos snapped over the last few months, from the Santa Claus and Easter Bunny visits to Quiz Nights.

We love getting to know the residents who call Palm Lakes home. Meet the Basson and Beuster families. Nozuko Basson is a single mom to her beautiful daughter, Siya. She loves Palm Lakes and the serene, safe environment it provides her child - it’s their ideal home! The Beusters are a family of five who adore the Palm Lakes community.

We also learn about Mike Taylor, an 80-year-old resident who just completed his first Midmar Mile! He shares his story and a little bit about his travels across South Africa.

Moving on to environmental matters, The LionHeart Experience recently went on a walk with the residents to find beautiful dragonflies and damselflies. They discovered a few amazing species! The HOA also talks about switching to solar in Here Comes the Sun.

Who doesn’t love butter? We share two recipes by J’Something and his wife using Parmalat Salted Butter. They’re a must-try the next time you’re looking to try something new.

And finally, we have the updated list of all the real estate agents registered with Palm Lakes Family Estate. They’re the go-to people if you’re looking to buy, sell or rent in the Estate.

Till next edition, God bless.

Lorinda Scott and the FabMags team

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents FABMAGS cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise there from. FabMags is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by Palm Lakes Family Estate or the PLHOA.

If you have anything you’d like to share with us, whether it’s your opinions, your suggestions or your ideas, please feel free to e-mail me at lorinda@fabmags.co.za I’d really like to hear from you.

From the Estate Manager

Well, it still feels like the beginning of 2024, but the reality is that we are almost a third of the way through the year already… With our new financial year underway, we are planning to start some of the exciting projects that we have budgeted for.

One of these projects is taking our gatehouses ‘off the grid’ by installing solar power, not just as a backup but as the primary electrical supply. This is not only because we would like to be environmentally responsible and stay in line with sustainability and eco-friendly practices, but it is also a vital enhancement to our security systems on the Estate, ensuring uninterrupted CCTV, access systems and lighting, as well as reducing the likelihood of damage to expensive equipment due to power surges and dips and reducing electricity costs in the ‘long run’.

As always, the safety and security of our residents is our top priority, and we will continue to strive to be at the forefront when it comes to security technology and developing our systems. With this in mind, I would like to appeal to our residents to please respect our security policies and procedures. After all, no matter how hard we try from our side, our systems are only as secure as our ‘weakest link’. It is so important that we all work together to ensure Palm Lakes remains a safe haven for our families to live in.

Following a number of requests from residents, we will be installing monkey-proof waste bins on several Estate roads and common areas where there was previously a shortage of bins.

The main swimming pool at the Dragonfly Clubhouse will be relined with fibreglass within the next month or so. Pending approval at the AGM,

we also plan to redeck the entire area around the pool and restaurant terrace, providing a much-needed upgrade to the Clubhouse.

Furthermore, we are planning to install a wonderful jungle gym in a secure fenced area, primarily for smaller kids. This will allow parents to relax while enjoying a drink or a meal at the restaurant. We feel these enhancements will definitely contribute towards an even more pleasant experience for younger families on Palm Lakes.

Ross Bishop Estate Manager

PHoto troy BiShop

Ross Bishop

Estate Manager

Steven Erasmus

Deputy Estate Manager

Wilma Prinsloo Administration Manager

Corrie McPherson Administration Assistant

Reception

Reception/Switchboard

Jason Britz PR & Procurement Manager

Brandon Moodley

Building Operations & Compliance Administrator

Stuart Mccabe

Body Corporate Supervisor

Control Room

Cell Number & Landline Number

Steven Gomes

Security Manager

Access Office

Landline Number

Andrew Erasmus

Landscaping Manager

Clubhouse

Mamma G’s Restaurant

Erica Poppmeier

Clubhouse Operator

emeRgency numbeRs

Retirement Village Clinic (24 Hours) ERF 1789

Medi Response (911)

Netcare 911 Ballito

IPSS Medical Rescue/Ambulance

Alberlito Hospital (Trauma)

Fire Department

Police (Umhlali Saps)

Dolphin Coast SPCA

KwaDukuza - Electricity

Control Room - 060 900 3908

Ilembe Municipality - Water Emergency

otHeR useful numbeRs

Bee Man (Trevor Thompson)

Bee Man (Ralph Jansen)

Ballito Isp (Call Centre)

Care Wildlife

Snake Catcher (Neville Wolmarans)

Snake Catcher/Locksmith (Quinton Powers)

Vodacom Fibre Faults 0821904@vodacom.co.za

* These contractors are purely for recommendation to residents.

estate matteRs

secuRity

landscaPing

dRagonfly clubHouse

Chairperson’s Letter

Itrust the beginning of 2024 has been prosperous for everyone. As we reflect on the past, it’s essential to consider the decisions we’ve made and embrace gratitude while also looking forward to making even better choices in the future.

As a Board, we are acutely aware of the challenges facing households today. Balancing our responsibility to oversee the Estate’s management with sensitivity is crucial.

As we head into the second quarter of 2024, it’s a reminder that time waits for no one. Let’s not postpone the things that bring us joy any longer. Whether it’s taking that dance class or finally painting that masterpiece,

happiness is within our reach. Instead of waiting for external factors, let’s choose to pursue activities that bring us joy and, in turn, spread happiness to others.

Let’s continue to cherish our Estate and its community. Together, let’s make the most of every moment.

Chairperson of Royal Palm Home Owners’ Association

PHotos troy BiShop

Meet the

My name is Nozuko Basson and I am a Reputation Management Manager for a Mining Company in Mthunzini. Our family is made up of myself and my daughter, Siyamthanda Basson, as well as our two puppies, Theo and Milo. We are originally from Johannesburg and moved to Palm Lakes in April 2019.

Although the two of us live alone, my parents regularly stay with us to look after Siya while I’m traveling, which is usually two weeks per month! So, my parents have also become part of the Palm Lakes family. My dad is known as “Umkhulu”, which he is fondly called by the security guards and the garden personnel. If weeks pass and they don’t see him, they always ask me: “When is Umkhulu coming back?”

Siya is quite the swimmer, so she enjoys spending time in the pool or visiting her friends who stay in the

Basson Family

Estate. Most weekends, we enjoy the comforts that our home provides, or we explore the outdoor facilities in greater Ballito. We also love dining out - from time to time, we explore the restaurants that pop up in the area.

Why did we choose Palm Lakes? When I was looking to move to KZN, Palm Lakes was one of the estates that stood out for me. The fact that, at the time, there was a school within the Estate made it the perfect place for us. During our first year here, I really entrenched myself in the Estate’s events so that we could meet new people and make friends, which we did! I knew that this was the place that would be my forever home.

What I love the most is the ‘family vibe’ of the Estate. The fact that children can play on the street and mostly go to the same schools reminds me of my own childhood. This is what I want for Siya - a safe place to grow up.

When we first moved to Palm Lakes in 2019, we rented in Impala Ridge. Later that year, I bought a unit at Ella, however, I soon realised that the house was too small to accommodate my family who would often visit us from Joburg. The beauty of living here is that the people who helped me sell my unit and find our perfect home lived in the Estate, so it was a quick and smooth transition to move and purchase our new home.

What I enjoy the most about Palm Lakes is the peace and tranquillity that it offers. It is also outside the busy Salt Rock and Ballito area but close enough to all the places that we like to visit and a few minutes drive from the airport, which is perfect for my work travels or going back home for a short visit as and when I feel like it. Then there is the Dragonfly Clubhouse, which I call ‘mini Sun City’. They offer great food and Siya always has fun there, meeting new and old friends.

PHOTO ELIZE MARE PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet the

The Beusters are made up of Mom (me), Dad (Mike) and three young adult boys who are all done with school (phew!). I moved here when there was just Palms 1 and red sand to raise my one young son as a single parent with the support of my parents. This was the most ideal setting for a young toddler. My parents also live on the Estate (by the way, my mom and dad have the best garden in Palm Lakes - the one on the corner near Mini Palms!). Having family within the Estate makes living here priceless, and knowing my parents are safe and happy makes my heart calm.

Mike and I met (don’t judge!) on Facebook. It took me a year to accept his friend request and another year to meet him for coffee. Once I did, the rest was history! We got engaged and

Beuster Family

were married a year later! He is an avid photographer, very artistic and involved in the IT world. His hobby is fitness and he should have had a career in life coaching!

I own a travel agency (iTravelsmart) which experienced a little bit of a standstill because of “you know what”. This afforded me time to follow a deep passion of mine. I birthed two new companies, including Marilyn Beuster Wellness (wellness and fasting coaching), turned my metabolic health around and lost 60 kilograms. I also launched Yummy Keto, a gut health brand that now supplies various stores and will go online soon.

We are a passion-driven family and living in Palm Lakes affords us a balance in life. There are many estates, but this one

truly caters to all ages. Being a little outside of Ballito is the best for meit’s not too close or not too far…

I do believe the Palm Lakes residents are like a little family. I see many groups together in the beautiful open spaces and there’s even a running club, which my husband threatens to join. I also need to get myself to those outdoor yoga classes and the outdoor gym!

I am currently reading such an inspiring book called Ikigai by Hector Garcia. In this book, one of the hallmarks of longevity in Blue Zones around the world is a sense of belonging - socialising, fitness, greenery and community. Would you not say we have our own Blue Zone right here in Palm Lakes?

Walking with Dragons

On 4 February, directly after an incredibly successful birdringing session, The LionHeart Experience team led a walk with a few residents to discover, enjoy and learn more about Odonata, possibly the most impressive of all the orders wildlife found on Palm Lakes.

different from most other estates due to having more grassland (which is truly an ecological asset), a mosaic of swamp and coastal forest patches, a different soil type (largely clay and shale compared to more sandy dune soils of those closer to the coast), and the impressive Tete river floodplain nearby.

The order Odonata is comprised of dragonflies and damselflies, and Palm Lakes boasts a VERY rich diversity of these, hosting some rare species. We are continually being surprised by this, as you will read about shortly.

Exactly why Palm Lakes has such an amazing diversity of dragons and damsels, we are yet to fully understand. It is most likely because Palm Lakes is slightly

It was a hot day - absolutely perfect for dragons as they love the heat - and we headed off. Very quickly we were adding common species to the list, like the banded groundlings that fly next to your feet as you walk, making you concerned that you will step on one (which will never happen as they are so sharp), blue emperors, which are the third largest species in SA and very common over large waterways, and the wandering

anotHeR sPecial find, tHe HalfsHade dRoPwing

tHe enigmatic little sailing bluet HaPPily cRuising in tHe wind

gliders, which have flown over 18 000 kilometres over a few generations on a round trip from India (mind-blowing, I know!).

Our main hope was to show diversity but also some of the more flashy and exciting species. The three top targets were the barbet percher, which is an absolute stunner, the dancing jewel, which truly is a jewel with an amazing dance, and the eastern forest watcher, a very secretive and not often seen species.

The barbet percher decided to leave the residents wanting, as for some reason they were not at their usual spot, which hopefully left a hunger for more. However, little did we know we were in for a treat. Not only did we manage to see the dancing jewel and the eastern forest watcher, but we also found two new species for the Palm Lakes dragonfly list!

The first is a very flashy and beautiful species called a jaunty

dropwing (Trithemis stictica) and the second is a halfshade dropwing (Trithemis aconita). What is very interesting is that this record of the halfshade dropwing is the most southerly record on iNaturalist on the continent. Palm Lakes strikes again!

We also enjoyed the enigmatic little sailing bluets as they used their wings as a sail and cruised along the surface of the water. No other species do this.

We tallied up a total of 20 species on the walk, which just goes to show that nothing beats spending more and more time in nature as one never stops learning. We hope to see more of you on these walks in the future!

tHe easteRn foRestwatcHeR found along Quiet foRest stReams

tHe absolutely bReatH-taKing dancing Jewel - wait til you see Him dance!

tHe stRiKing baRbet PeRcHeR tHat Hid fRom ouR gRouP

YOUR ESTATE, YOUR EVENTS

Uniting the Community

woRds CynDi Konar & CiMaron WiLLaErt

Palm Lakes Family Estate has long been known for its vibrant community spirit, and this reputation has only been solidified by the tireless efforts of its Social Events Committee. Over the past months, the committee has orchestrated a series of engaging events, fostering a sense of togetherness among residents and leaving a trail of cherished memories in its wake.

The festivities kicked off with the annual Christmas party, a beloved tradition where Santa Claus himself made a grand entrance, spreading cheer from the back of his motorbike. Accompanied by his trusty elves, Santa delighted children with sweets and gifts, igniting laughter and joy throughout the Estate. As is customary, the party culminated in the gleeful splashes of Santa and children alike, as they gleefully dunked him into the pool.

New Year’s Eve ushered in a new tradition with the inaugural Bring and Braai event, which saw an overwhelming response from the community, underscoring the eagerness of residents to come together in celebration. Buoyed by this success, plans are already underway for an even grander affair to welcome 2025.

The Easter season brought further opportunities for communal revelry, with a bustling market drawing crowds and positive feedback from vendors and attendees alike. Children were treated by the HOA to a delightful Easter party at the Clubhouse, complete with the joys of Easter eggs and the enchanting presence of the cutest Easter Bunny, much to their delight. The refreshing ice creams were most welcomed by the children, which were generously sponsored by Erica and Hannes.

Looking ahead, the Social Events Committee has curated an exciting lineup of activities, including a pamper breakfast for Mother’s Day and a potjie cookoff for Father’s Day. A campout, markets and tailored events for teenagers promise to keep the community engaged and enthralled in the months to come.

Integral to the fabric of Palm Lakes Family Estate is its unwavering commitment to charitable endeavours. Residents readily extend a helping hand to various causes, from the annual Santa Shoeboxes initiative benefiting less fortunate children to ongoing collections of goods and clothing spearheaded by community members like Toni Sweet (for drop-offs: 14 Barron Lane or the HOA Office). The Love for Humanity Group, with their skilled craftsmanship, produces garments for those in need, while local animal charities like Sables Creatures and Feline Feral Fund receive support through the generosity of attendees at the Christmas Quiz Nights.

We invite everyone to participate in the numerous activities on the Estate like the monthly Quiz Nights coordinated by Karen Bonsall with Quiz Masters Gordon Amos, Stewart McDonald and Elwyn van den Aardweg, art and yoga classes, line dancing classes, weekly Park Runs with a fry-up breakfast afterwards, Canasta, Bridge and Mahjong groups and the monthly Pub Night at the Dragonfly Clubhouse for fostering an even stronger sense of community and camaraderie. The honesty library at the Clubhouse provides yet another avenue for engagement, welcoming donations of fiction and non-fiction books to enrich the communal space.

In the heart of Palm Lakes Estate, the bonds of community grow ever stronger, fueled by shared experiences, generosity and a collective spirit of unity. As residents come together to laugh, celebrate and support one another, the essence of Palm Lakes shines brightly, illuminating the path towards a vibrant and inclusive community for all.

santa Run 2023

Here Comes t H e s un Solar Power on Palm l ake S

As South Africa grapples with load shedding, the quest for effective power solutions has become a priority. In KZN, our abundant sunshine provides us with an invaluable resource for renewable energy. Solar power, alongside inverters, offers a sustainable and serene alternative to traditional, noisy generators.

As we know, solar panels harness sunlight, and inverters complement this setup by storing the energy for when we need it most, ensuring a seamless supply during load shedding without the environmental or auditory downsides of generators. This silent, clean energy solution respects our need for peace and quiet as well as safety.

Recognising the drawbacks of generators - notably their noise, emissions and safety riskshighlights the appeal of solar and inverter systems. They offer a forward-thinking approach to energy resilience, one that aligns with our community values of sustainability and harmony.

Embarking on the solar journey requires consideration of your home’s energy needs to select an appropriately sized system. Professional guidance from solar installation experts can simplify this process, and exploring financing options may make the installation more achievable.

As your HOA, we have streamlined the application process for solar

panel/inverter setups to be as simple as possible. We ask that the panels are installed in the same plane as the roof (not on raised brackets) and that any cables or wiring are in conduit painted the same colour as the wall. Lastly, we request a copy of your Electrical Certificate of Compliance to put in your HOA property file.

By embracing solar energy, we’re not just adapting to load shedding but investing in a future where Palm Lakes thrives on clean, quiet and efficient power.

We encourage all residents to consider the benefits of solar technology and welcome any questions about making the switch.

CArPe DIem!

no maTTer YoUr aGe

Palm Lakes is home to many residents who have accomplished amazing things and have great stories to tell. Mike Taylor is definitely one of them.

Mike was involved in the sugar industry from a very young age and worked for a number of companies primarily in sugar cane farming. He started in Swaziland before moving to the KZN South Coast and finally the North Coast. After 30 years, he decided to change up his career path and joined Shell SA as a Chemical Technical Advisor for all agricultural-related chemicals.

“I then decided to become selfemployed in the farming chemical industry until my retirement, by which time I was based in Ballito,” says Mike. “Some seven years ago, my late wife and I decided to relocate from Ballito to Palm Lakes Family Estate. Sadly, Avis passed away after a short illness.” Grieving his lovely wife, Mike would never have thought his love stories weren’t over yet. “I met Liz about six years ago at the Driefontein Garden Centre and joined her on her weekly walks at the Dolphin Coast Striders Running Club. Our friendship developed as we both enjoyed the outdoors and caravanning.”

In 2019, the pair decided to embark on an epic adventure around South Africa in a caravan, starting in East London in the Eastern Cape. They averaged one to two months per region, allowing them to explore the surrounding countryside. “We both enjoyed meeting like-minded people and have made some wonderful friends along the way. Again and again, we realised what a beautiful and diverse country we live in. We have

covered most of the provinces, both coastal and inland, and have managed to include Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.”

Mike turned 80 years old in November last year, and so the couple decided it was time to plant their roots and have a home base. “We returned to my home in Palm Lakes and have had the pleasure and challenge of repainting and refurnishing it, inside and out! We absolutely love it here at Palm Lakesthe openness, freedom of movement, security and ambience of young families,” Mike adds.

It didn’t take too long for Mike to start working on his next adventure. “My son’s family, who live just outside Ballito, decided to enter the family event at the Midmar Mile this year. I decided to add it to my bucket list as I had never done it before.” This driven resident spent the month of January training at the Mini Palms swimming pool which was the ideal spot to prepare for the race. Liz took up the role of ‘trainer’ and encouraged him daily, never allowing him to skip a day of training.

After a lot of hard work, Mike and his family completed the Midmar Mile with smiles on their faces. “It was awesome being part of the Taylor team, including myself, Michael Jnr (50), Hannah (16) and Olivia (10). Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t too great, but we persevered and completed the race!”

Having achieved this amazing accomplishment at his age, Mike has some great advice. “Keeping busy and tackling projects keeps me young and active. Liz and I intend on embarking on another trip by mid-year - destination still to be decided…”

our reGIstereD REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Following the first year of our Estate Agent Registration programme launched in 2023, Palm Lakes Estate is excited to announce the continuation of this initiative into its second year.

Building on last year’s success, the programme has strengthened the relationship between the registered

CLUB rEaL EstatE

agents, the Homeowners’ Association and the Palm Lakes community. Our registered agents have demonstrated dedication to professionalism and an in-depth understanding of your Estate’s rules and procedures.

As we look forward to another year of this programme, we remain committed to facilitating an

Nico Eybers - 062 151 3051

CornErstonE ProPErtiEs

Matt Withers - 072 242 9267

Fiona Crago rEaL EstatE

Fiona Crago - 082 551 2607

HarCoUrts doLPHin Coast

Candice Hendrikz - 082 305 8613

HoUsE HUntErs BaLLito Charlie Butterworth - 082 892 4802

HUiZEMarK BaLLito Manfred Marx - 072 142 8029

HUnt ProPErtiEs

Janine Van Zijl - 084 516 3008

Warren Van Vuuren - 083 230 8999

Nathi Khumalo - 079 097 0270

Lelo Gasa - 062 266 4475

JaMEs & Co

Thabo Tsotstsi - 076 103 5822

Roxszane Reevell - 064 650 4265

LLoYds rEaL EstatE

Neerie Narain - 072 266 0622

LoCaL rEaL EstatE

Ingrid Zwiers - 062 585 3518

Clint Wahl - 082 572 9315

Keith Harrison - 060 527 2022

Eloise Boshoff -

rEaLtY groUP

onLY rEaLtY BaLLito

environment where professionalism and community spirit can flourish together. Homeowners are reminded that they have the freedom to choose any agent. Opting for one registered with our programme may afford peace of mind by working with a property practitioner who is familiar with the essence of living within our Family Estate.

ProPErtY MatCHMaKEr

rE/MaX doLPHin rEaLtors

rEaLtY CHECK

roYaL HoMEs

roYaL PaLM ProPErtY HoLdings

Cathy Grant - 082 963 8457

Albert de Kock - 083 645 8865

Coleen Naidoo - 082 411 9738

sEEFF nortH Coast

Reena Cassim - 072 627 9301

Erin Crookes - 074 513 1333

Prakashan Naidoo - 082 372 7942

sMitHs ProPErtY groUP

Bongani Ngwane - 068 260 8321

sotHEBY’s rEaLtY

Lucy Ferreira - 082 440 6510

tYson ProPErtiEs

Lynette Nason - 083 788 9968